Recipe for a Sandwich
a small moment by Ernio Hernandez
Grab plate. Bread. Open the bag. Grab two slices, put on plate. Close the bag. Open the fridge. Open the drawer. Grab the meat. Put on the counter by plate. Grab the mayo, the mustard, pickles. Close the drawer. Close the fridge door. Mayo first, both sides. Press bread together. Open again, put back on plate. Meat on one side. Meat on the other. Pickles in the middle. Mustard on pickles. Close the bread. Put the bread back. Put the meat back. The mayo, the mustard, pickles. Grab a drink. Close the door. Grab the chips. Grab the plate. Sit. Eat.
When I heard that Jay Leno ate the same meals every day for a year, I remember thinking how terrible an idea that sounded. I am not a creature of habit.
I love variety and loathe the idea of monotony. Though conversely, that’s exactly what I loved about working at the post office for many years during college; quality quiet time for my brain.
When my company moved my team to their Manhattan office, I vowed to try to eat lunch at a new place every day. If I recall correctly, I made it through a month’s worth of lunchtimes before breaking the streak.
I am not a creature of habit.
Working from home the last couple months, however, this sandwich recipe has been my go-to midday meal amid my hours on the computer. I haven’t gone full Jay Leno yet.
Sometimes there are thankfully leftovers, or I’ll have enough of a break to take a walk and grab something. I also mix up the meats and occasionally I’ll forgo the potato bread throw (caution to the wind—and) it all on a bagel. Or real curveball: tuna!
Honestly, though, it is just easier to go mindless sometimes. Hit auto-pilot. Not have to think or choose my own adventure. The sandwich does the job; it feeds my body.
I can feed my mind later.
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